Holland, Hudsonville ice rinks set for multi-million dollar facelift with new ownership
Two pillars of the West Michigan skating community are under new management following a major acquisition announced Wednesday that promises millions of dollars in infrastructure investment for facilities in Holland and Hudsonville.
OTTAWA COUNTY — Two pillars of the West Michigan skating community are under new management following a major acquisition announced Wednesday, Feb. 25, that promises millions of dollars in infrastructure investment for facilities in Holland and Hudsonville.
Black Bear Sports Group, a Maryland-based owner and operator of ice arenas, has purchased Holland Ice Arena and Hudsonville Ice Arena. The facilities, formerly known as Griff’s IceHouse West and Griff’s Georgetown Ice Arena, will be rebranded as part of a transition aimed at stabilizing the aging infrastructure of the rinks.
The acquisition marks a significant shift for Ottawa County’s hockey and figure skating landscape. Although the sale price was not immediately disclosed, Black Bear officials said the company plans to spend millions on "core infrastructure" to ensure the rinks remain viable for the long term.
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“These arenas are a home base for many athletes and families in West Michigan,” Murry N. Gunty, founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group, said in a statement. “We’re proud to support that tradition and do the essential work that keeps these rinks reliable and the experience consistent for years to come.”
For local skaters, the most immediate impact will be the rebranding and a guarantee of continuity. Black Bear confirmed that all current programming will continue uninterrupted through the 2025-26 season.
The planned renovations focus heavily on the mechanical "guts" of the buildings rather than just aesthetic flourishes. Priorities include replacing ice plants, subfloor components, and dehumidification equipment. In Holland, officials noted that replacing the rink’s dehumidification system is a top priority to improve air quality and ice consistency.
The Hudsonville facility has a storied history of ownership changes. Originally built and operated by Georgetown Township in 2004, it was sold in 2018 for $1 million to DP Fox Ventures, the ownership group behind the Grand Rapids Griffins. This latest sale moves the arenas from the portfolio of a local sports mogul to a national conglomerate that manages dozens of rinks and youth leagues across the U.S.
Black Bear’s arrival brings the resources of its broader network, which includes the Atlantic Hockey Federation and Black Bear TV, a dedicated streaming platform for youth sports. The company's business model centers on acquiring community rinks and integrating them into their national tournament and league structure.
“Our focus is on ensuring the next generation of skaters has a great place to learn, compete, and grow,” Gunty said in the statement.
The arenas serve as primary hubs for youth hockey associations, high school teams, and figure skating clubs across Ottawa County. Representatives for the facilities emphasized that the upgrades to the ice plants and climate control systems are intended to provide a more comfortable environment for spectators and more reliable surfaces for athletes.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
